Choosing Fabrics That Work: Material Qualities Behind Assent, Fontaine & Warlock

The right upholstery fabric does more than look good—it has to perform. That means durability, texture, ease of cleaning, and comfort all matter. At Rico Furniture, we often pair our craftsmanship with performance fabrics from Zepel. Below, we explore three fabric styles—Assent, Fontaine, and Warlock—to understand their material traits and where they shine.

1. 

Assent (Plain Woven Performance Fabric)

Material Profile

• Assent is a plain woven fabric, made from 100% polyester, under Zepel’s FibreGuard system. 

• It’s engineered with stain resistance and easy-clean performance built into the yarn (not just surface coating). 

• With strong abrasion resistance (tested to high Martindale cycles) it’s suitable for everyday use. 

Strengths & Best Uses

• Excellent for high-traffic areas such as family living rooms, lounges, and spaces where children or pets might sit.

• The plain weave gives it a more neutral, adaptable look — it pairs well with patterned cushions, textures, and accent fabrics.

• Because of its engineered performance, it retains appearance even under spills or regular use.

2. 

Fontaine (Bouclé / Knotted Texture Fabric)

Material Profile

• Fontaine is a bouclé fabric: it uses knotted yarn to create a textured surface. 

• Made from 100% polyester, it combines aesthetic appeal with practicality. 

• Zepel’s testing shows good performance in durability tests (e.g. Martindale cycle counts) for upholstery use. 

Strengths & Best Uses

• Ideal for pieces where the texture itself is part of the design focal point — accent chairs, occasional seating, or feature cushions.

• Because of the raised texture, it can disguise small wear or soft piling better than flat fabrics.

• Works well in areas where use is moderate, balancing comfort, tactility, and visual interest.

3. 

Warlock (Velvet / Plush Fabric)

Material Profile

• Warlock is a polyester velvet style fabric, delivering a lush, plush hand. 

• As a decorative fabric, Warlock offers bold statement-making surface character with soft, light-reflective pile. 

• It is also tested for durability in upholstery contexts, though velvet-style fabrics tend to require a bit more care. 

Strengths & Best Uses

• Excellent for statement pieces: headboards, accent chairs, ottomans, or parts of a seating ensemble where luxury feel is desired.

• Works beautifully in lounges, bedrooms or design-forward interiors where visual impact matters.

• Given its plush surface, it’s best suited for areas with moderate use and where gentle care is acceptable.

How to Choose for Your Project

• Use vs Visual Impact: For high-use pieces (main sofas, family seating), prefer durable weaves like Assent. Reserve textured or plush fabrics like Fontaine or Warlock for accent roles.

• Texture & Feel: Bouclé (Fontaine) is tactile and cozy, velvet (Warlock) is rich and soft, plain weave (Assent) is more restrained.

• Cleaning & Maintenance: Always check washing, stain resistance, and care instructions. Performance fabrics like Assent simplify cleanup in daily life.

• Layering Strategy: Use Assent as your base fabric for large sofas and pair with cushions or throws in Fontaine or Warlock for contrast and depth.

• Testing Samples: Bring swatches home and inspect under your room’s natural lighting, test spills, sit on them — live with the sample before finalizing.

Final Thoughts

Material properties define how a sofa or chair wears over time, how comfortable it feels, and how it fits into your daily life. At Rico Furniture, we pair our custom craftsmanship with fabrics like Assent, Fontaine, and Warlock to ensure your piece is not only beautiful but made to last.

Want help choosing the right upholstery material for your next piece? Reach out — we’d love to guide you.